Oxford United celebrate with victory parade through city after promotion

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May 20, 2024

Oxford United celebrate with victory parade through city after promotion

BBC Hundreds of fans line The Plain to cheer for Oxford United as they travel on an open-top bus through the city — Hundreds of fans lined The Plain to cheer for Oxford United as they travel on an open-top bus through the city

Thousands of football fans lined the streets for Oxford United’s victory parade.

The team made their way through Oxford in an open-top bus on Monday.

They were promoted to the EFL Championship for the first time in 25 years after a 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

The parade started at The Plain and finished near Oxford Town Hall. Road closures were in place for the duration of the celebrations.

Head coach Des Buckingham said the win at Wembley Stadium meant “everything”.

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Oxford City Council encouraged people to go out and cheer along the parade route, but not to congregate at St Aldate’s.

Hundreds of fans lined the High Street near Oxford Town Hall to see the team

Fans gathered in the High Street wearing yellow Oxford United shirts — Hundreds of fans lined the High Street near Oxford Town Hall to see the team

The council is flying the Oxford United flag over the 1930s extension to the Town Hall to mark the team’s promotion.

Leader of the council Susan Brown previously said she was “delighted to welcome Oxford United to the Town Hall to celebrate”.

Oxford United arrived in Oxford High Street in an open-top bus for its victory parade

Hundreds of fans seen cheering in the High Street as Oxford United team arrive on the bus — Oxford United arrived in Oxford High Street in an open-top bus for its victory parade

Speaking ahead of the parade, Oxford United’s chief executive Tim Williams admitted he is still “dazed and confused”.

He told the BBC: “It’s nothing to do with numbers or money – it’s what it means for the fans to be out of the league for 25 years – it’s such an achievement to have come this far.

“It still feels surreal to see the trophy in the office.

“I’ve been here for two years. We were nearly relegated last year, to have turned it around in a year is incredible.”

Oxford United chief exec Tim Williams (left) with head coach Des Buckingham

Oxford United chief exec Tim Williams, a white middle aged man with brown hair wearing a blue blazer, white shirt and black framed glasses, stands with head coach Des Buckingham, a white middle aged man with dark short spiked hair in a white shirt and sunglasses holding the trophy — Oxford United chief exec Tim Williams (left) with head coach Des Buckingham

He said: “There’s been a lot going on, we’ve enjoyed each other’s company, we celebrated together and we’re really looking forward to celebrating with the fans in Oxford.

“It’s everything, I think we knew looking around how important this club is to so many people for so many different reasons. I grew up supporting this club and to be able to walk out and lead the team on Saturday at Wembley Stadium and then to come away with this trophy was very special.”